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Stephen Alan Dunnigan, Appellate Attorney in Newport News, Virginia

Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Car Accidents · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratDunnigan & Messier, P.C.

Newport News, VA

Practicing appellate in Newport News since 1984.

42+
Years practicing
4.4 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

Are you Stephen Alan Dunnigan?

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Quick answer

Stephen Alan Dunnigan is a partner based in Newport News, VA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Car Accidents. Stephen has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dunnigan & Messier, P.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Newport News, VA
Experience
over 42 years
Known for
Appellate · Bankruptcy · Car Accidents
  • Handles Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Car Accidents matters from Newport News, VA.
  • Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with BV Distinguished.

About Stephen Alan Dunnigan: Stephen Alan Dunnigan is a partner based in Newport News, VA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Car Accidents. Stephen has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dunnigan & Messier, P.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Stephen takes on

Stephen concentrates on appellate, bankruptcy, car accidents, child custody, and child support. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Newport News, Virginia

Stephen takes appellate matters in Newport News, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Bankruptcy cases in Newport News, Virginia

Stephen takes bankruptcy matters in Newport News, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Car Accidents cases in Newport News, Virginia

Stephen takes car accidents matters in Newport News, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Newport News, Virginia

Stephen takes child custody matters in Newport News, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Newport News, Virginia

Stephen takes child support matters in Newport News, Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Stephen Alan Dunnigan — appellate lawyer in Newport News

Stephen Alan Dunnigan is a partner based in Newport News, VA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Car Accidents. Stephen has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dunnigan & Messier, P.C.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Stephen Alan Dunnigan is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy law, child support, criminal law and 15 other areas of law. Stephen received a B.A. degree from James Madison University in 1981, and has been licensed for 42 years. Stephen practices at Dunnigan & Messier, P.C. in Newport News, VA.

Stephen's approach to appellate cases

Stephen Alan Dunnigan is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy law, child support, criminal law and 15 other areas of law. Stephen received a B.A. degree from James Madison University in 1981, and has been licensed for 42 years. Stephen practices at Dunnigan & Messier, P.C. in Newport News, VA.

The kind of cases Stephen takes

Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, bankruptcy, and car accidents matters in Newport News and the surrounding Virginia area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law

    J.D. · 1984

  • James Madison University

    B.A. Political · 1981

Jurisdictions

Stephen's state bar admissions

  • U.S. District Court,

    1985 · ACTIVE

  • Virginia

    1984 · ACTIVE

Stephen studied at J.D. in University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law and B.A. Political in James Madison University.

Law school and academic background

Stephen completed J.D. in University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law and B.A. Political in James Madison University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Stephen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Stephen's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Virginia State Bar Virginia Trial Lawyers Association

    membership

Locations

Stephen Alan Dunnigan's office in Newport News

Stephen's primary office is at 305 Main Street, Newport News, VA, 23601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Dunnigan & Messier, P.C.

305 Main Street

Newport News, VA 23601

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Stephen Alan Dunnigan — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Stephen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Newport News.

4.4

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Stephen Alan Dunnigan claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Stephen Alan Dunnigan — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Newport News, Virginia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Stephen

Stephen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Stephen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Stephen Alan Dunnigan

  • How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a appellate case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Stephen offer a free consultation?

    Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.

  • How long do appellate cases in Virginia typically take?

    Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Newport News?

    Stephen is licensed in Virginia. Matters governed by Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Stephen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Stephen?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Stephen accepting new appellate clients right now?

    Stephen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Newport News, Richmond and Alexandria in Virginia

Stephen handles appellate matters throughout Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Stephen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Newport News handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.